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Title_

Interview with Gunilla Allard

Day_	28/03/2003

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Gunilla Allard : I, of course, got influence from the tradition of the wood house and so on. But I don't think my design is so Swedish. I think it is more European.

Style-pd : How do you get inspired when you design?

Gunilla Allard: It usually comes from needs. For example when I was watching a movie at home, I started wondering why there isn't a small chair with a good style. Then I decided to design it myself. Now you can find the same kind of chair everywhere, including in IKEA. I often wonder, "Why isn't it possible to find this or that?" That is the beginning of an idea. I have been working with lots of movies as a set designer. That means I need to design a set for different periods and themes. And I think I learned a lot from working for film because I can learn the history. That is important. You have to know what was there before designing something new. I am also careful not to use too much material. I just use what is necessary. Also, I am working a lot with details. Small details are very important to me.

Style-pd : Do you have a consistent concept, no matter what you design?

Gunilla Allard: I think you always have something inside of you. When you see a sofa for example, it has to remind you of my concept hidden in the sofa.

Style-pd : You have been working with many movies. You worked with Ingmar Bergman. How was that?

Gunilla Allard : It was fantastic. He was just fantastic to work with. He is such a special person. Everything.... his script has the most beautiful words you can ever find.

Style-pd : When you work for movies, is your mindset different?

Gunilla Allard : When I make a piece of furniture, I am the director. But when I am working for movies, it is teamwork. Of course, when I make a piece of furniture, I work with manufactures such as steel makers, wood makers and so on. But mostly I am totally alone.

Style-pd : In which setting do you feel more comfortable?

Gunilla Allard : I like both. I sometimes want to work in a team, but sometimes want to totally concentrate on my work.

Style-pd : Have you been working with movies every year?

Gunilla Allard : For one period, I was working with movies every year, but not recently. I think the movie scene has been changed as well.

Style-pd : Did you ever work for foreign movies?

Gunilla Allard : Yes, lots of Danish movies.

Style-pd : There are many Japanese people in the February's Furniture Fair. Also, there is Swedish Style every year in Japan. You have visited Japan before, correct?

Gunilla Allard : Yes, I was there 2 years ago. This year, I didn't have a chance to be in Japan.

Style-pd : Why do you think Swedish design is so appealing to the Japanese?

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